Investment case in adolescents' mental health and non-communicable diseases in Uzbekistan
AUTHORS:
Akhtem Useinov, MSc., Center for Policy Research and Outreach, Westminster International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Bakhrom Mirkasimov, Ph.D., Westminster International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
ABSTRACT
Objectives: In this study we undertake cost-benefit analysis of adolescents' mental health and non-communicable diseases in Uzbekistan.
Methods: We studied investments in intervention-specific costs using the OneHealth Tool (OHT) and program costs for two health programs – (1) mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders, and (2) non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We modelled interventions incremental costs and health impacts for 2022-2026, considering 2021 as the baseline year. We calculate benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and return-on-investment ratio (ROI) using selected health impacts and costs, discounted at an annual rate of 3% and expressed in 2021 USD. We also do sensitivity analysis at 5% and 10% discount rates.
Results: Estimated costs to scaling-up interventions between 2022 and 2026 for two health programs were equal to 9.81 million USD. Estimated investments show health life-years gained from scaling-up MNS disorders interventions among adolescents were equal to 15,945. 23,945 healthy life-years were gained from scaling-up NCDs interventions. We find a positive return on investment for mental health conditions – an average return of 7.66 dollars per dollar invested. For NCDs, we find 11.91 dollars return for each dollar invested.
Conclusions: Although we do not study other important causes of the adolescent burden of disease, such as unintentional injuries, self-harm and interpersonal violence, and transport injuries, our findings cover one of the major causes and show substantial benefits from investing in adolescent health and wellbeing in Uzbekistan.
Keywords: investment case, return on investment, mental health, non-communicable diseases, Uzbekistan.
Recommended citation:
Useinov, A. and Mirkasimov, B. (2026). Investment case in adolescents' mental health and non-communicable diseases in Uzbekistan. CPRO Analytical Report. Center for Policy Research and Outreach (CPRO). Westminster International University in Tashkent. https://doi.org/10.70735/QSQD7948
